Kiến thức, thái độ và thách thức của dược sĩ về thuốc giả tại thành phố Hồ Chí Minh năm 2024

Counterfeit medicines (CFM) pose significant global health and economic challenges, eroding public trust and impacting national health systems. In a bustling economic center like Ho Chi Minh City, the issue of counterfeit medicine is particularly pertinent. Pharmacists, as frontline healthcare professionals, are pivotal in preventing the circulation of these harmful products. Therefore, understanding their current knowledge, attitudes, and the specific challenges they face regarding counterfeit medicine is essential for developing robust and effective prevention strategies. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by exploring these aspects among pharmacists in Ho Chi Minh City, thereby contributing valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare authorities.

Pharmacists, public health policymakers, regulatory bodies, and healthcare administrators concerned with pharmaceutical integrity and patient safety in Vietnam and similar developing regions.

This cross-sectional study comprehensively assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and challenges faced by 398 pharmacists in Ho Chi Minh City concerning counterfeit medicine (CFM). Conducted in December 2024, the research utilized an online survey questionnaire incorporating a 5-point Likert scale for attitudes, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics and univariate regression. The objective was to identify pharmacists' understanding and perspectives on CFM, recognizing their critical role in public health and patient safety. Key findings revealed that a majority of pharmacists (64.1%) had received training on CFM, primarily gaining information from their professional practice and media (67.6%). While most pharmacists demonstrated adequate knowledge and understanding of CFM, indicated by a mean attitude score of 19.1/25, significant challenges, particularly poor cross-border enforcement, were identified. Factors such as years of experience, previous training, and pharmacy ownership were found to influence pharmacists' attitudes toward CFM. The study underscores the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach, emphasizing the strengthening of the legal system and fostering closer coordination among management agencies to effectively combat counterfeit medicine. These findings provide valuable insights for developing targeted interventions, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and improving continuous education for pharmacists to safeguard public health against the pervasive threat of CFM.